1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
tried to reason with the untoward child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uncontrollable
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a program for untoward teenagers that is designed to give them the kind of discipline that their parents were unable or unwilling to administer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adverse
opposed to one's interests
achieved great success as an artist despite growing up in a very untoward milieu
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
unfortunately, one of the symptoms of dementia can be a tendency to make untoward and often shocking remarks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of untoward
Using that data, the system monitors the dark web and other sources for any untoward activity involving that personal data.
—
PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
At the very least, Democrats and Republicans agree that wafting cigarette smoke in someone’s face and capturing their reaction on video — without first asking — is untoward.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
The specialized data training that followed the initial development of the generative AI app is supposed to curtail that type of untoward activity.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
The strong substance carries the potential to elicit numerous untoward side effects, such as tooth discoloration, damage to bones, cognitive defects, skin problems, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and a host of neurological conditions.
—Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for untoward
PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
At the very least, Democrats and Republicans agree that wafting cigarette smoke in someone’s face and capturing their reaction on video — without first asking — is untoward.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
The specialized data training that followed the initial development of the generative AI app is supposed to curtail that type of untoward activity.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
The strong substance carries the potential to elicit numerous untoward side effects, such as tooth discoloration, damage to bones, cognitive defects, skin problems, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and a host of neurological conditions.
—Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for untoward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward
Adjective
-
Written by Kaitlin Reilly and Dorian Keyes, the film follows a rebellious bad boy and a type-A overachiever who join forces to win the student body presidency – and maybe each other’s hearts along the way.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In business, as in life, there are times when conformity is an asset, but in others, embracing your individuality, inhabiting your rebellious spirit and being a true trailblazer are what lead to success.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond Venezuelan incompetence, American pressure and fears of uncontrollable escalation may be driving Chinese caution.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Unlike the original Izo, Didi is described as an unpredictable and uncontrollable gang leader who has isolated others that are part of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The specialty retailer’s chief financial officer, Robert Ball, said Abercrombie has seen about $5 million in adverse impact from tariffs during the second quarter, chiefly manifested in the cost of sales, and expects $90 million net impact from tariffs for the year.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
-
This tool helps with reading, writing, summarizing, adverse-event profile reviews, label comparisons, clinical protocol assessments, and even generating database code.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Production on the star's prior film, Being Mortal, was suspended by Searchlight Pictures in 2022 after a staffer filed a complaint against actor Bill Murray, alleging inappropriate behavior.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
While Roblox has filters and moderation, kids can still be exposed to inappropriate language, scams, or unsafe conversations.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The rebel run is the biggest of them all.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Humanitarian organizations estimate over 13 million people have been displaced by the fighting between the government’s military forces and the rebel RSF fighters, with famine and disease a by-product of the struggle for power.—
Rory Fleming,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
According to a Pew Research Center survey, half of Americans hold an unfavorable opinion of the Supreme Court.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The latest national polls from groups like Reuters/Ipsos, Civiqs, AP/NORC, Gallup and more have the president's overall approval rating marked as unfavorable once again.—
Joyce Orlando,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The prosecutor will ultimately decide whether the parents will be charged with improper storage and safekeeping of firearms or other potential crimes, Cappetto noted.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
-
However, there is consumer protection for defective merchandise or an improper charge.—
Mary Luquette,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Any contrary assertion is provably false.—
Mikai Bruce,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Each makes its contrary unreal, even absurd.—
Roy Scranton
August 20,
Literary Hub,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share